Constellation of Zawj in the Quran
As a way to put us in touch with the Quran one of my teachers assigned us my all time favorite exercise. We had to pick a concept encapsulated in a single word, and trace it throughout the Quran. The firm guideline given on this assignment was not to use any other source but the Quran; there are plenty of works to befuddle the mind and remove the clarity of the message; here the focus was to simply make us comfortable in using our intellect to approach the Quran.
As we trace any concept, we begin to unfold layers upon layers of meaning with each unique usage of the term. By the end of such a journey subtle themes emerge giving it a new breath of life. A simple term thus matures into its own distinct reality within the relative scope of our understanding.
This assignment opened a small window for me, to begin to see the Quran as a universe and the various concepts, themes, oft repeated words as constellations when sighted grant us rare illumination into the depth of night.
The concept I picked was “Zawj.” There is a short cut to tracing all the ayahs dealing with this concept and that is by use of an Index of the Quran. There are some online and my favorite was an Arabic book with consolidates all the words and ayahs underneath it.
I was interested in looking at its various meanings and implications to give me a better insight into the male-female dichotomy as designed by Divine dictate.
Linguistic definition
Linguistically the term Zawj (plural Azwaj) means Couple; Join in pairs; Germinate; Marry off/ unite in matrimony; and Use in parallel construction. In the following sections we will begin with the highest metaphysical form of pairs or parallels employed in the Quran to the lowest societal breakdown and implications of the concept.
Creator and Non Creation
The most oft repeated distinction that is made is between the Creator and His creation. There is no confusion between the two, and no instance of similarity or imagery that can begin to capture the Creator of the whole Universe and what lies therein. In one of the shortest chapters of the Quran this distinction is outlined with precise emphasis:
“Say: He is God, the One and Only; God, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him� Quran [112:111-4]
Relationship of Man to God
With a firm understanding of the Oneness of God we are lead to the direct conclusion that man’s relationship to God is a direct one on one relationship. There can be no confusion, intermediaries or confluence of the Reality and Oneness of God that would lead man to worship any other. For the very sake of man’s tranquility alone, they are not put in a position to worship multiple “gods� which will cause chaos and conflicts of interest.
“God puts forth a Parable a man belonging to many partners at variance with each other, and a man belonging entirely to one master: are those two equal in comparison? Praise be to God! but most of them have no knowledge� Quran [39: 29]
Existence and Non Existence
The next level of contrasts is provided in the distinction between existence and non-existence. God created the whole universe out of nothing. It is entirely within His realm of power to take life and give life, and there is no Power or Glory save His.
“Praise be to God, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels, apostles with wings, - two, or three, or four (pairs): He adds to Creation as He pleases: for God has power over all things� Quran [35:1]
Creation in Pairs
In sharp contrast to the verses that stress on the Oneness of Allah, great detail is provided on the dual nature of creation. From the obvious physical contrasts of day and night, heaven and earth, dark and light, sea and land, to the spiritual contrasts of the righteous and the non believers and even the subtle blessings of creating spouses and mates for our solace and comfort is highlighted. We will deal with each level separately keeping in mind that all of them are intricately related and are expounded upon for the purposes of instruction and reflection: “And of every thing We have created pairs: That ye may receive instruction.� Quran [51:49]
Below are only some of the ayahs that lyrically outline the contrasts within the universe:
Contrasts in the Universe
Day/Night : Heaven/Earth: Life/Death
“Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind; in the rain which Allah Sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they Trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth;- (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that are wise� Quran [2:164]
“And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers: and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two: He draweth the night as a veil o’er the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who consider!â€?[Quran 13:3]
Easts and Wests
“(He is) Lord of the two Easts and Lord of the two Wests� [Quran 55:17]
Two Bodies of water
“He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together� [Quran 55:19]
Light and Darkness
“Nor are the depths of Darkness and the Light; (are not alike�)[Quran 35:20]
Shade and Heat
“Nor are the (chilly) shade and the (genial) heat of the sun� [Quran35:21]
Sun and Moon
“And the sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of (Him), the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing� Quran[36:38]
“And the Moon,- We have measured for her mansions (to traverse) till she returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk.� [Quran 36:39 ]
Fruits
“In them will be Fruits of every kind, two and two� [Quran 55:52]
Quranic Ayahs
In resonance with the universe’s structure, the Quran itself is arranged in contrasting pairs, employing repetitions, metaphors, contrasts and a variety of methods that elicits a deep evocative response from the depth of a believer’s being.
“God has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful Message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of God’s praises. Such is the guidance of God: He guides therewith whom He pleases, but such as God leaves to stray, can have none to guideâ€? [Quran 39:23]
Classes/Separation/Groups
Before dealing with how beautifully the Quran depicts male/female relationships we will consider this unusual way in which the word “zawj� is used in some instances. In some ayahs the context implies separation, or classes/groups.
“Strain not thine eyes. (Wistfully) at what We have bestowed on certain classes of them, nor grieve over them: but lower thy wing (in gentleness) to the believers�. [Quran 15:88]
Or in dealing with the separation on the Day of Judgment the term “Azwaj� is used again:
“And ye shall be sorted out into three classes�.[Quran 56:7]
Husband and Wife
Adam and Hawaa
Adam and Hawa represent the first couple that was created by Allah, the first representatives of humanity who were to forge the way for our Vicergerency /Khilafa on earth. There are many key verses that present and clarify their relationship, deconstructing Hawa’s or Eve’s “evil temptress� archetype and emphasizing Satan’s whisperings as the cause of that fated “fall�. Both Adam and Hawa are equally blamed for their forgetfulness, and the consequences of their actions are faced by both of them. The Quran does not pit man against woman and furthermore it stresses that they have a shared history, purpose and destination, bearing solely on individual and collective righteousness as the key for eternal victory.
“Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: “I will create a vicegerent on earth.” They said: “Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?” He said: “I know what ye know not.” [Quran 2:30]
“We said: “O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression.” [Quran 2:35]
“Then We said: “O Adam! verily, this is an enemy to thee and thy wife: so let him not get you both out of the Garden, so that thou art landed in miseryâ€?. [Quran 7:19]
Humanity
From laying out the archetypal couple, equalizing the blame, and outlining man’s purpose on earth, we are introduced to the immense blessing of the very creation of men and women, who are created for each other as a source of tranquility and mercy in their struggles on earth.
“And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.�[Quran 30:21]
We are further reminded in the ayah below of the importance of keeping our purpose on earth and Reverence to Allah as the center of our relationships, in that we begin to appreciate the depth of our purpose and from this point the very nature of our relationships are dictated.
“O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, His mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women;- reverence Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (That bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.�[Quran 4:1]
Non Competition
“It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law)� [Quran 36:40]
The above ayah outlines beautifully the relationship of the sun (feminine) and moon (masculine); and day and night; all of which are signs for us to reflect. Neither one of them were created to compete or outstrip each other, but like the every other creation in the universe, they move in distinct harmony according to Allah’s laws. From this ayah and many others we glean another gem, that if we align our actions to our best understanding of the Divine Will, we will be able to mirror the beauty and harmony of the universe without.
Transgression
Knowledge of the many blessings Allah has bestowed on humanity, engenders a deep-rooted gratitude within those who reflect. Ignorance breeds transgression as illustrated by the many Quranic stories of those who came before us. When dealing with the rebellious people of Prophet Lut (AS), God chastises the men who sought other men as companions instead of their lawfully prescribed mates. They indulged, as many do today, in the gross appeasement of their desires at the expense of creating sacred relationships in accordance to Allah’s Design and the resonance within their own ennobled nature.
“And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!”[Quran 26:166]
Interdependence
“The believing men and women are in charge of [supporters] of each other; they enjoin good and forbid evil they keep up prayers, render the purifying welfare dues [zakat] and obey God and His Messenger. It is they upon whom God will bestow His grace surely; God is All Mighty, All Wise� [Quran 9:71]
This ayah beautifully summarizes the intricately interdependent roles of men and women guided by the larger vision of what they need to accomplish on earth. The essence of our relationship is inspired by the collective strength of ensuring the rights of Allah’s creation are safeguarded and our own spiritual health is maintained by our ongoing relationship with Allah.
Societal Laws
Once the basic framework of male female relationships is set, the Quran outlines a series of societal guidelines. The preservation of the marriage and family unit, is buffered by additional directives governing contingencies such as divorce proceedings, death, and inheritance each laced with heart melting reminders to be in awe of God, establish justice in our dealings, and keep our larger purpose on earth as our ultimate goal.
The Prophetic Model
There are also ayahs that deal directly with the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s relationship with his household. The emphasis in the Quran, calling the Prophet (SAW) to institute a certain aspect or refrain from a certain action, calls for further research into the “Asbabul Nuzool� (reasons for revelation), to understand the context and wider implications for the society. Some of these ayahs are also outlined in the appendix, and will be included in another essay that deals with the depiction of the Prophet’s (SAW) wives in the Quran.
Righteousness as the delineating factor
The Quran does not make distinctions between men and women, and furthermore reinforces their ties based on the firm ropes of faith, righteousness, and commonality of history, existence as well as destination. This firmness in the purpose of the believers is contrasted sharply with the distinct groups of non-believers. We find the righteous man and righteous women working as a unit, to establish justice, enjoin good and forbid evil on earth.
“The blind and the seeing are not alike;� [Quran 35:19]
“Nor are alike those that are living and those that are dead. God can make any that He wills to hear; but thou canst not make those to hear who are (buried) in graves�. [Quran 35:22]
“The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear God, that ye may receive Mercy.�[Quran 49:10]
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)�[Quran 49:13]
Contrasted Consequences
Free will coupled with a distinct purpose and a responsibility will not have any meaning without accountability. Our brief sojourn on earth, is contrasted against the eternal landscape of our Afterlife. We either choose to make our ultimate destination one that is full of bliss and endless repose or a miserable wretched existence full of horrors and unmitigated calamities.
Companions in Jannah
In tune with our social nature, that seeks and desires companionship, the Quran in its lyrically irresistible manner entices the righteous with blissful abodes characterized by purified companions and eternal joy.
“But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: “Why, this is what we were fed with before,” for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein companions pure (and holy); and they abide therein (for ever).â€?[Quran 2:25]
Companions in Jahannam
The ayahs describing eternal bliss and promises for the believers are contrasted sharply and almost immediately with those that bear grave warnings to the heedless amongst us. The wrongdoers and their spouses (if they were also inclined in the same direction) are threatened with endless misery and wretched, if they but heed the reminders and seek forgiveness before it is too late.
“Bring ye up”, it shall be said, “The wrong-doers and their mates, and the things they worshipped-Besides God, and lead them to the Way to the (Fierce) Fire!â€? [Quran 37:22-23]
Conclusion
We have outlined the manner in which the term Zawj is depicted in the Quran. The beautiful contrasts and duality in the universe are mirrored directly within man’s ennobled nature, as Allah created both males and females to compliment, comfort and solidify each other in their quest for righteousness and spiritual elevation. The perfected guidelines laid by the Quran, leave no room for animosity, competition and least of all oppression or injustice to be committed in the name of “religion�.
The duality and sometimes multiplicity of creation is further contrasted directly by the distinct Oneness of God, nurturing a unique relationship between each soul and its Creator.
Our shared history, purpose and destination is clearly outlined and our flawed existence is beautifully reconciled with reminders of accountability and consequences that will be faced by each soul on the day no one will be able to escape. To the righteous and their companions in the struggle, they will be awarded the highest thrones of dignity and bliss. To the wretched, a despicable existence that will make these earthly enjoyments shrink into the paltry price it is to pay for all of eternity.
Postscript Note on Problematic Translation of Ayahs:
In this brief exercise I came across two ayahs that wrongly translated “Zawj� to “wives� alone, leading to larger negative implications on women. We entered into a lengthy discussion in class about these two ayahs, and came to the conclusion that given their context and wording they were indeed mistranslated. I am indicating them here for the purposes of notification, as well as keeping in mind the subtle patriarchal tendencies that are still influencing current translations.
The ayahs are listed below, due to the limited scope of the paper I will not discuss them here, but a brief look into them should suffice to indicate to the reader their problematic aspects:
“O ye who believe! Truly, among your wives??? and your children are (some that are) enemies to yourselves: so beware of them! But if ye forgive and overlook, and cover up (their faults), verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful�.[Quran 64:14]
“Bring ye up”, it shall be said, “The wrong-doers and their wives???, and the things they worshipped-?â€?[Quran 37:22]
I learn so much from you, dear Sister. Thank you for you.
